分类： society

In a remarkable display of efficiency, the Belize Coast Guard responded within minutes to a water taxi accident near San Pedro on Sunday evening. The incident, which occurred approximately one mile west of the Coast Guard base, was reported by a local fisherman who witnessed the mishap.

A devastating road accident in Roaring Creek has resulted in the death of 70-year-old Daniel Puerto, a well-known community member. The incident occurred on Sunday night when Puerto, reportedly intoxicated, was struck by a minivan while attempting to cross the highway. Witnesses described the scene as harrowing, with Puerto being dragged several yards before the vehicle came to a halt near the Frogman Warehouse. The driver, Michael McFadzean, a taxi driver, immediately stopped to assist and alert authorities. Police confirmed that McFadzean showed no signs of impairment, but residents noted that Puerto was often seen drinking by the roadside. Puerto was declared dead upon arrival at the Western Regional Hospital. The minivan has been impounded, and McFadzean has been served a notice of intended prosecution. Puerto’s niece, Arlette Young, expressed that while her uncle was loved by his family, his public drinking habits had long been a concern. The community is now urging the government to enhance highway safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

In a significant move to revolutionize public transportation, Belize’s Ministry of Transport has announced an ambitious initiative to introduce 150 new buses into the National Bus Company’s fleet. Spearheaded by Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh, the project aims to modernize the country’s aging bus system through a public-private partnership (PPP) involving 21 operators. To secure funding and technical expertise, Minister Zabaneh recently led a delegation to Taiwan, where the Taiwanese government pledged substantial support. The Taiwanese authorities shared insights from their own 2002 experience of consolidating and improving public transport, offering valuable lessons for Belize’s modernization efforts. Minister Zabaneh expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s assistance, emphasizing the trip’s success in garnering manufacturer interest and securing commitments. The project is on track to meet its timeline, with plans to finalize PPP agreements and draft protective legislation by the end of the year. This initiative marks a pivotal step in enhancing Belize’s public transport infrastructure, promising improved service quality for commuters.

As Belize prepares to celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day, the City of Belmopan has become a hub of cultural vibrancy with the launch of the Garifuna Awareness Exhibit. Organized by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, the event showcased the rich heritage of the Garifuna people through traditional foods, colorful attire, and the captivating rhythms of Garifuna drums. The exhibit, themed “Garifuna Moving Forward: Honoring Tradition, Embracing Change, Strengthening Identity,” aims to highlight the enduring legacy and contributions of the Garifuna community to Belizean society. Gwen Nunez-Gonzalez, Co-chair of the Garifuna Language Commission, emphasized the importance of such events in fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. She noted that exhibitions like this allow Belizeans to experience the unique aspects of Garifuna culture, from its cuisine to its music. Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, underscored the significance of celebrating Belize’s diverse heritage, stating that cultural events like this strengthen national unity and mutual respect. The exhibit, which drew attendees from various sectors, including the Ministry of Transport, remained open to the public throughout the evening. As Garifuna Settlement Day approaches, Belizeans are encouraged to embrace and celebrate the Garifuna culture, further enriching the nation’s cultural tapestry.

A routine water taxi journey between San Pedro and Caye Caulker took an unexpected turn over the weekend when a San Pedro Belize Express vessel experienced a steering malfunction and ran aground on a small island west of San Pedro. The incident, which occurred on November 17, 2025, involved 40 individuals, including 36 passengers and 2 crew members. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but the Belize Port Authority and the Belize Coast Guard have launched investigations to determine the cause of the accident.

Ports Commissioner Kaylon Young confirmed that the vessel encountered mechanical issues with its steering system, leading it to veer into shallow waters near the island. He emphasized the importance of identifying the root cause, whether it was related to the vessel’s condition, the competence of the crew, or the navigation equipment. Young also highlighted the stringent annual inspections and safety requirements for commercial passenger vessels, underscoring the need to ensure passenger safety.

Lieutenant Mark Choc, Operations Officer of the Coast Guard, described the swift response to the incident, with rescue teams arriving within 5 to 10 minutes after being alerted by a fisherman. He confirmed that the vessel was ‘high and dry’ and that all crew members were safe, with no serious injuries observed. Choc stressed the critical importance of rapid response in such emergencies, noting that the Coast Guard aims to maintain a 15-minute response time to prevent potential loss of life.

While the exact cause of the grounding remains under investigation, authorities are committed to uncovering the factors that led to the incident. A second vessel from the same company arrived shortly after to safely transport passengers from the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released once the findings are complete.

The tragic murder of 36-year-old Byron James has left his family in shock, as they believe he was the victim of mistaken identity. The incident occurred late Friday night when two masked gunmen entered the yard of his Castle Street home and fatally shot him. Byron’s sister-in-law, Leah James, recounted the harrowing moments, stating that the attack happened just seconds after he stepped outside for a cigarette. She described rushing to the scene and being the first to see his lifeless body on the ground. Leah also revealed that her seven-year-old daughter witnessed the gunfire, adding to the family’s trauma. Byron’s brother, Nikolai James, spoke of Byron’s efforts to turn his life around, emphasizing his role as a loving uncle and his desire to leave his troubled past behind. Byron had recently been released from Belize Central Prison after a prolonged legal battle related to a 2012 murder conviction. The case had been stalled due to procedural delays, leading to his eventual release. Police have detained one man for questioning and recovered two nine-millimetre pistols, which will undergo ballistic testing. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith confirmed that no motive has been established yet. The family is now grappling with the loss of a man they say was striving for redemption.